Infrared spectra of protonated neurotransmitters: serotonin.

The gas-phase IR spectrum of the protonated neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) was measured in the fingerprint range by means of IR multiple photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy. The IRMPD spectrum was recorded in a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer coupled to an electrospray ionization source and an IR free electron laser. Quantum chemical calculations at the B3LYP and MP2 levels of theory using the cc-pVDZ basis set yield six low-energy isomers in the energy range up to 40 kJ/mol, all of which are protonated at the amino group. Protonation at the indole N atom or the hydroxyl group is substantially less favorable. The IRMPD spectrum is rich in structure and exhibits 22 distinguishable features in the spectral range investigated (530-1885 cm(-1)). The best agreement between the measured IRMPD spectrum and the calculated linear IR absorption spectra is observed for the conformer lowest in energy at both levels of theory, denoted g-1. In this structure, one of the three protons of the ammonium group points toward the indole subunit, thereby maximizing the intramolecular NH(+)-π interaction between the positive charge of the ammonium ion and the aromatic indole ring. This mainly electrostatic cation-π interaction is further stabilized by significant dispersion forces, as suggested by the substantial differences between the DFT and MP2 energies. The IRMPD bands are assigned to individual normal modes of the g-1 conformer, with frequency deviations of less than 29 cm(-1) (average <13 cm(-1)). The effects of protonation on the geometric and electronic structure are revealed by comparison with the corresponding structural, energetic, electronic, and spectroscopic properties of neutral serotonin.